Freelance or Fraud - Is this the ultimate self employment catfish?
Apr 28, 2025•45 min
Episode description
In this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, host Gemma Mitchell is joined by Zara McGuffie from The Australian Business Podcast to tackle a question on many Australians’ minds: how do you bring in more income?
One business model that seems to be on the rise (again) is multi-level marketing, also known as network marketing or direct marketing.
They promise freedom, flexibility, and uncapped income from your phone. But is it really about building your business – or just building theirs?
We dig into the world of MLMs and so-called ‘business opportunities’ that sell the dream of self-employment, but often leave people out of pocket and pressured.
We unpack:
• Why MLMs are so appealing (and who they target)
• What makes them feel legitimate – even when they’re not
• The real cost of chasing passive income promises
• What to look for – and how to approach opportunities with eyes wide open
• Other income streams that might actually suit you better
• How to increase your income using your existing skills
• How to tell the difference between a genuine side hustle and a self-employment catfish
If you’ve ever been tempted to ‘be your own boss’ and start something new – this is a must-listen.
Resources for this episode
Pre order Gemma's book here The Money Reset: Take Control of Your Money and Your Life : Mitchell, Gemma: Amazon.com.au: Books
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